Ghana’s Black Girls beat Argentina 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, with Jessica Appiah Asamoah converting a decisive spot-kick to advance to the next round.
Jessica Appiah Asamoah put Ghana ahead in the 16th minute to give the Black Girls the lead in a tightly contested match.
Ghana thought they had doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Cynthia Obinsrewuo found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside. He was substituted two minutes later, replaced by Priscilla Mensah.
The Black Girls suffered a setback in the 72nd minute when captain Seidatu Wahab was taken off injured and replaced by Belinda Kpente.
In the 77th minute, Hajara Adam received his second yellow card and was red carded, leaving the team with ten men, making it difficult for Ghana to challenge.
Argentina equalized with Diz in the 86th minute and used it late in the game. Substitute Zeynab Shani followed up the equalizer from a free-kick after receiving a yellow card for a foul on the Argentinian shortly after coming on.
Despite a late setback and being outnumbered, Ghana held on until 9 minutes and 10 minutes of added time, with the match going to a penalty shootout.
The Black Girls held their nerve to secure a 5:4 victory. Ghana’s first penalty was scored by Essenam, followed by Christiana Ashiaku and captain Osman the third. Juliana Gyekyewaa converted the fourth goal before Jessica Appiah Asamoah stepped up to score the decisive strike and seal Ghana’s victory.
Goalkeeper Belinda Maku Aklie was also instrumental in keeping Ghana in the contest, making several crucial saves throughout the match before conceding Argentina’s equaliser. Black continued to make important interceptions to help keep the Girls in contention.
The win advances Ghana to the next round, where they will face either Japan or Kenya, depending on the outcome of the match.
For the Black Girls, it was a test of grit, composure and determination as they overcame a late equaliser, a red card and the pressure of a penalty shoot-out to keep the campaign alive.